Living in Japan has been one of the most wonderful and interesting adventures in my life. Six years in Tokyo gave me the opportunity to visit many beautiful places and join a lot of traditional Japanese activities. Each time is better than the last. But honestly, what I lived at the Yamaboushi Farm has no comparison at all, being an unforgettable five senses immersive experience.
SIGHT
The Farm is located in the Obuchi Area, part of Shizuoka Prefecture. Full of green tea fields and forests that create astonishing natural landscapes, most of the time having the ocean or the magnificent Mt. Fuji as the best background ever.
Not just the whole trip from the station to Yamaboushi, but the location itself is fascinating, right in the middle of a cozy little town in between mountains and rivers. It is totally impossible not to feel like you are in the movie “My Neighbor Totoro” from Studio Ghibli!
It doesn’t matter where you look, your mind will be blown by the perfect conjunction of nature and colors. So, be prepared for an amazing Mt. Fuji view and one of the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen, painting the skies with bright gold, pink, and blue.
TOUCH
There is nothing more traditionally Japanese than feeling tatami mats under your feet, or the wood along the super clean and beautiful halls that connect different parts of the house. It is like staying in a Ryokan, but the Yamamoto family will make you feel as welcome as if you were visiting old friends.
Your body will thank you after resting in the simple but nice and cozy living room, then relaxing inside the Ofuro (traditional bath) with healthy volcanic water, and finally sleeping like a baby in an authentic, super comfy, smooth Futon.
HEARING
It is just a matter of staying calm while resting on the Tatami and closing your eyes. Pay attention to the music of nature around you. The beautiful song of the birds, the relaxing buzzing of the insects, the cracking sound of wood being cut by the neighbors, a dog barking in the distance, the light sound of the wind filtering through the trees and bushes.
I have to confess that I woke up around 4 am and had to stand up to record the hypnotizing and heartwarming melody of sunrise. The perfect symphony of nature announcing a new day. It was impossible not to feel deeply happy and grateful for a special moment like that.
SMELL
The moment you get out of the car at Yamaboushi Farm you start perceiving the fresh aroma of nature. Wet soil, clean air, and a big variety of trees and flowers, all at the same time, welcome you in the most subtle, but kind way.
It is not just the aroma of the surroundings. The house has a unique smell – a balanced mixture between wood, plants, tatami, and cleanliness, further enhancing the delicious aroma of food when dinnertime is close.
TASTE
Maybe the best thing about this experience was the food. Not just because of the flavor, but due to the whole atmosphere that came around sitting down to eat.
Having the opportunity of going into their nice, clean, and wide kitchen. Meeting the rest of the family and enjoying a normal relaxing day, chatting, or watching TV.
Participating in cooking our own dinner was amazing! Yamamoto-san explained to us every single ingredient used. Local, fresh vegetables, delicious fish and chicken, and indescribably tasty green tea from their own tea fields were all brought straight from the farm to our plate that day. What could be more healthy, fresh, and yummy than that?
Teamwork, joyful conversation, laughs and smiles, the sound of meat and veggies frying on the stove, the aroma of rice and tea invite you to have one of the most fun, varied, colorful, fulfilling, and super delicious meals ever. It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie or not.
This experience will be memorable either for people that have never been to Japan before, or people like me, that love this country full of beautiful places, interesting culture, and amazing cuisine. The Yamaboushi Farm Stay covers all these points. You will never forget it, and you’ll be back for sure.
Info:
You can contact us to arrange a farm stay for you by emailing us at info@arigatojapan.co.jp
Or visit their Japanese only, website https://www.yamaboushi.me/
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